Cultural celebration to build community at West Genesee High School

CAMILLUS, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) – From traditional performances, to arts and crafts, and live music, the West Genesee gym was packed full of people eager to experience the diverse cultures in their community.

“There are so many things that you can see that you won’t see unless you go to Botswana. So, you can’t go to Botswana, I’ll bring Botswana to you,” Ayea Montgomery, a teaching assistant at West Genessee said.

Calling all foodies could have been the invitation, with a spread of samples for everyone to taste.

“I do love food so to just see all the different foods that are out there, tasting them. I’ve heard some people talking about trying foods they’ve never tried before, and so to give that opportunity right here at the West Genny High School is just awesome,” said Brandon Franza, the administrative intern who organized this year’s culture celebration.

While the food and drinks were delicious, celebrating the cultures was about more than just the yummy snacks.

“I think the meaning of this culture fair is to bring everybody together, understand each other’s cultures. It doesn’t matter what race, religion, skin color you are, it’s about bringing each other together, loving each other and understanding each other,” Maya Abediabbah, a senior at West Genesee High School running the Palestine booth, said.

Appreciating the importance of diversity to build better community.

“But if you learn to respect each other’s culture and learn to appreciate each other’s diversity, that’s where the love comes from,” Montgomery added.

A celebration of the cultures that make Central New York a unique culture of its own.